A new initiative to plant one million trees across the UAE kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Friday, named “Planting One Million Saplings”. Dr. Amna Al Dahak, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, planted the first tree at Gracia Group’s farm in Al Bahia. Starting January 1, the farm will offer one million free trees to organizations and community members for planting.
“We aim to make local agricultural produce the UAE’s top product,” said Dr. Al Dahak.
UAE’s Green Vision for the Future
The “Plant One Million Saplings” initiative is just the beginning of a series of efforts under the newly established National Agricultural Centre, which aims to enhance farming skills and technologies across the country.
Hamed Al Hamed, founder of Gracia Group, emphasized that anyone interested can pick up a free tree from Gracia. “We encourage everyone—homes, schools, hospitals, sports clubs—to get involved in planting,” he added.
The initiative is part of a broader national project called “Plant the Emirates,” launched last month by UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Dubai Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. People can choose from 20 types of decorative and fruit-bearing trees.
Easy-to-Plant Trees for Everyone
The trees selected for the initiative are chosen for their durability and low maintenance. “We want people to see that farming is easy and has great health benefits,” said Dr. Al Dahak. The free trees will come with a detailed guide to help participants plant and care for them correctly.
Starting January 1, individuals can sign up to collect a tree, with further details shared on social media and the initiative’s website. Participants must commit to filming their tree planting process and sharing their location, helping to involve the community and inspire others to join in.
Tracking the Growth of the Initiative
The progress of the tree planting will be tracked through a dedicated website and app, providing live updates on the number of trees planted and videos from participants. The identity of the person who will plant the millionth tree will be kept a secret, with a contest announced to guess who that person will be. Winners of the contest will receive valuable prizes.
A Vision Inspired by the UAE’s Founding Father
The “Plant One Million Saplings” initiative was inspired by a personal encounter Al Hamed had years ago with the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed. “When I met Sheikh Zayed, he gave me a farm as a gift after I recited a poem for him. That farm became my mission to help realize his vision of making the UAE a leader in agriculture,” said Al Hamed. “I want this initiative to be a revolution in agriculture, where every person in the UAE shows their love for the country.”
Gracia Group, which manages over a hundred farms across the UAE, also provides educational programs to support young people in starting careers in agriculture.
